Workplace Retaliation

Southern California Workplace Retaliation Lawyers

Did your employer transfer, demote, or fire you as an act of retaliation against you? If so, you may be entitled to benefits and financial compensation according to California employment and labor laws.

The experienced San Bernardino County Workplace Retaliation Lawyers at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, have the necessary skills and resources to assist you in getting the maximum compensation and benefits for a Wrongful Termination or Workplace Retaliation claim. From our San Bernardino-based Employment Law offices, we provide legal representation to those individuals who have recently experienced Workplace Retaliation or Wrongful Termination by an employer located in Southern California, including the Inland Empire and beyond.

Employment Retaliation Laws

State: Under California State law, it is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for lodging a discrimination or harassment complaint with local, state, or federal agencies. The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protects an employee who is a Whistleblower:

Section 12940(h) states,

(h) For any employer, labor organization, employment agency, or person to discharge, expel, or otherwise discriminate against any person because the person has opposed any practices forbidden under [California Government Code section 12940(a)] or because the person has filed a complaint, testified, or assisted in any proceeding [pursuant to that section].

California law restricts an employer’s ability retaliate against an employee based upon:

Participation in a Union

Service on a Jury, (or Participation as a Witness)

Refusing to Commit Perjury

Arrest or Detention (NOT RESULTING IN CONVICTION)

Taking Leave Due to Domestic Violence

Serving as an Election Officer on Election Day

Illiteracy

Injury in the Course of Employment, and Seeking or Being Awarded Worker’s Compensation Benefits

Military Service

Political Activity

Visiting Child’s School

Refusing Random Drug Tests

Whistleblowing

Federal: In addition to California State law, mentioned above, there are many Federal laws that also prohibit Workplace Retaliation:

Civil Rights Act, Title VII

Age Discrimination in Employment Act

Americans with Disabilities Act

Equal Pay Act

False Claims Act

Fair Labor Standards Act

Speaking Out Against Discrimination May Lead to Workplace Retaliation

It is unlawful for an employer to retaliate against an employee for speaking out when they feel they are being discriminated against. Possible types of discrimination in the workplace include:

How to Recognize Workplace Retaliation

There are many ways an employer can retaliate against an employee:

Job Demotion

Job Transfer

Reduction in Hours

Reduction in Pay

Termination

Sometimes, Workplace Retaliation can be subtle. An employee may intentionally be forced to work an undesirable job shift, that a supervisor knows will be detrimental to that employee’s personal situation. What if the employee cares for a young child, or maybe for an elderly parent?

It is best to consult with a knowledgeable and trusted Employment Law Lawyer, PRIOR to filing a claim or a civil lawsuit against one’s employer. An experienced legal professional can review your situation, and tell you whether or not your employer’s actions would constitute Workplace Retaliation.

Does Your Situation Have the Required “Elements” to Support a Workplace Retaliation Claim, Under California’s FEHA Law?

In order for an employee to successfully prevail with a Workplace Retaliation claim against his/her employer, the following elements must be present (See Yanowitz v. L’Oreal USA, Inc. (2005) 36 Cal.4th 1028, 1042):

The employee is protected by FEHA;

The employee’s actions are “protected” by FEHA (see California Government Code, Section 12940);

The employer is covered under FEHA;

The employer acted adversely toward the employee, who was engaging in protected activity;

An experienced Employment Law Attorney can help figure out if all the elements are in place, to support a Workplace Retaliation claim. If you believe you are the victim of Employment Retaliation, you should hire an attorney that is well versed in protected employment activity, pursuant to California State and Federal laws. The Workplace Retaliation Lawyers at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, have extensive experience handling these types of cases. We will help you build a convincing case against your employer. We will protect your legal rights.

Filing a Workplace Retaliation Civil Lawsuit in California

An at-will employee may have grounds for a civil lawsuit against an employer who discharges them for (a) performing an act that public policy encourages; or (b) for refusing to do an act that public policy condemns.

If you are being retaliated against by your employer, or a co-worker, here are some of the things you need to do:

Gather evidence to support your Workplace Retaliation claim

Document any reference possible to the actual retaliatory behavior your employer has engaged in against you

Consider researching and tracking any historical information that supports your position (Do you have first-hand knowledge that this type of retaliatory behavior by your employer has happened to other employees?)

Once you obtain all pertinent evidence, you will want to take the next step of filing a complaint with the proper authority.

In situations like these, it is important that you contact a knowledgable and trusted Employment Law Attorney who has experience with Workplace Retaliation cases, PRIOR to filing any complaint with the California Labor Commission. For instance, it may be necessary to file your complaint with California’s Department of Fair Employment Housing DFEH, or Federal Government’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), rather than the California Labor Commission–depending on the scope of your employment status, the type of retaliation that has occurred, and the type of activity that is protected. You will need the legal advice of an expert, to determine the best course of action.

Let our experienced San Bernardino Employment Law Attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, help assert your claim for damages–no matter which agency you select to file your claim with. Contact us at 909.884.6451, for a FREE consultation.

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